Joshua 22:31
And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD is among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵ֥י
and to the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
and to the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 32
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַכֹּהֵ֡ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֡ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
5 of 32
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
בְּנֵ֥י
and to the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
and to the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 32
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְּנֵ֥י
and to the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
and to the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 32
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
גָ֜ד
of Gad
H1410
גָ֜ד
of Gad
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
11 of 32
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
בְּנֵ֥י
and to the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
and to the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
13 of 32
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מְנַשֶּׁ֗ה
of Manasseh
H4519
מְנַשֶּׁ֗ה
of Manasseh
Strong's:
H4519
Word #:
14 of 32
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
הַיּ֤וֹם׀
This day
H3117
הַיּ֤וֹם׀
This day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
15 of 32
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
יָדַ֙עְנוּ֙
we perceive
H3045
יָדַ֙עְנוּ֙
we perceive
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
16 of 32
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
17 of 32
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בְתוֹכֵ֣נוּ
is among
H8432
בְתוֹכֵ֣נוּ
is among
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
18 of 32
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
יְהוָֽה׃
against the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
against the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
19 of 32
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
20 of 32
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
21 of 32
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
מְעַלְתֶּ֥ם
us because ye have not committed
H4603
מְעַלְתֶּ֥ם
us because ye have not committed
Strong's:
H4603
Word #:
22 of 32
properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously
יְהוָֽה׃
against the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
against the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
23 of 32
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
הִצַּלְתֶּ֛ם
ye have delivered
H5337
הִצַּלְתֶּ֛ם
ye have delivered
Strong's:
H5337
Word #:
27 of 32
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
28 of 32
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵ֥י
and to the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
and to the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
29 of 32
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
30 of 32
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Historical Context
Phinehas, Eleazar's son, inherited his father's zeal for God's honor (Numbers 25:7-13). His leadership in this delegation prevented civil war. This incident occurred shortly after conquest, when national unity was fragile. The peaceful resolution strengthened tribal bonds.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you pursue understanding and dialogue when suspicious of others' motives?
- What does Phinehas' leadership teach about balancing zeal for truth with patience for explanation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD is among us—Crisis averted! The phrase we perceive (yadanu, יָדַעְנוּ, 'we know/recognize') indicates certainty gained through investigation. Because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD—their faithfulness saved Israel from judgment.
Their explanation satisfied the delegation. Faithful communication prevents division. The eastern tribes' witness-altar honored God rather than rivaling Him. Misunderstanding resolved through dialogue demonstrates covenant love. Paul urges 'endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit' (Ephesians 4:3)—requiring patience, listening, and grace.